Global Weekly Preview: Stars step out on a truly international weekend

For connoisseurs of international racing, this weekend offers a series of treats to be savoured.

Consider the following: Winx attempting her 20th consecutive win at Randwick, Sydney, Godolphin star Hartnell looking to beat the strongest Makybe Diva field ever seen at Flemington, Melbourne; the world's oldest Classic, the St Leger, taking place at Doncaster (UK), plus Canada's best Turf horses doing battle at Woodbine.

If those delights don't stir a little curiosity and a tad of excitement, go back to the computer card games.

I doubt whether I have seen a horse with the consistency and durability at the highest level as Winx. She reminds me of the great weight-for-age stars in Australia in the early 1960s.

Horses such as Tulloch, Dhaulagiri, Lord, and Nilarco would line up against each other week after week, over distances ranging from 1,400m to 2,400m, and they would slug it out.

Yes, there was a pecking order (as I have named them above). But, different conditions, and occasionally different tactics, would throw up some surprising results.

There were a few shock waves sent through the Winx camp when the eight-year-old Red Excitement dashed off in the front and nearly stole the race last time. I doubt there will be a repetition when they meet again in Saturday's G1 George Main Stakes.

Down in Melbourne, Hartnell flies the flag for Godolphin. He is a versatile, top class horse, who has blossomed since being sent to Australia. He can beat Black Heart Bart and Le Romain in the G1 Makybe Diva Stakes.

Reference to Hartnell's career profile is a timely reminder that tomorrow's St Leger field may contain a few hidden gems, horses who can perform over distances other than the one mile, six furlongs, 115yds, of the oldest Classic if later given the opportunity.

Hartnell finished 7th in Kingston Hill's St Leger in 2014, having previously won the Listed Queen's Vase, over two miles, at Royal Ascot.

This year's St Leger has 11 declared runners, with plenty of depth to the field. The Roger Varian-trained Defoe has won his last four straight, and there are high hopes that he can continue his impressive sequence on Town Moor, with Andrea Atzeni in the saddle.

In Canada, watch for Godolphin's Dutch Connection, trained by Charlie Hills, in the G1 Woodbine Mile on the quick ground he prefers.